Botswana’s President Duma Boko has called on Namibia and Botswana to strengthen their partnership by complementing rather than competing with each other, emphasizing that true regional progress depends on cooperation and mutual understanding.
Speaking at the Second Session of the Namibia–Botswana Binational Commission held in Windhoek on Friday, President Boko urged the two neighbouring nations to align their economic goals and work collectively to remove trade obstacles that limit cross-border growth.
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to eliminate trade barriers and harmonise standards to ensure the free movement of goods, services, and people. She highlighted that both countries are already making progress through initiatives such as 24-hour border operations, the use of national ID cards for travel, and improvements along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further noted that challenges remain in the trade of products such as cement and charcoal, calling for both sides to use their shared markets to create jobs, strengthen food security, and attract cross-border investment.
“The Commission should examine and address the remaining impediments to trade for our mutual benefit,” she stated.
She also commended Botswana’s Vaccination Institute (BVI) as a model of regional cooperation, praising its efforts in supporting animal health and protecting livelihoods that rely on livestock. “For many years, Botswana, through the BVI, has worked closely with Namibia to safeguard animal health, particularly in the beef industry,” Nandi-Ndaitwah added.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and ensuring that regional cooperation continues to drive inclusive economic growth for both nations.
